Tran Dinh Quyen, Vi Dan [For the People] hospital (former name: Thong Nhat hospital), Ho Chi Minh, , 1972. © Pham Thuy Loan, 2016. ESSAYS

Modern Architecture in Vietnam or Vietnamese Modern Architecture?

BY PHAM THUY LOAN AND TRUONG NGOC LAN

Architecture is one of the keys to the values of a society, a reflection of a people’s aspiration, and a society’s ideas and technological experiments over periods in its history. This paper will address “modern architecture in Vietnam” focusing on the general course of its development: its practice, discourse and the built environment throughout history. The guiding questions for the main content of this paper are very fundamental: How can we define modern architecture in Vietnam? How was it formed and developed through the modern history of the country? Can we call modern architecture in Vietnam “Vietnamese modern architecture”?

The Analytical Framework public gardens, and grand facilities such as theaters, schools, The ASEANm a project offers a definite approach to the issue libraries and hospitals were put into use. The fundamental when it states that “the history of modern architecture in base for modernity to take shape was urban infrastructure,

Asia is the history of how Asians have become modern; and which had not existed in Vietnam before. Grand road net- 57 – 2017/2 has evolved through sustained interactions with the West”. works with sidewalks for pedestrians separated from auto- In other words, modern architecture accompanies moderni- mobile flows, networks of water supply, sanitation, electric- ty, or modernism, having undergone numerous upheavals in ity, communication as well as greenery, were implemented. history, from colonization, decolonization, westernization, One of the most remarkable modern works of that time docomomo through industrialization, and urbanization, to nation-build- was the Paul Doumer Bridge (1898-1902). It was a beautiful ing and globalization. These are various phenomena that iron bridge that consumed 30,000 m3 of stone, 5,600 tons of help define and shape Asian modernism today. laminated steel, 137 tons of cast iron, 165 tons of iron and 7 In this regard, we would like to go back to the beginning tons of lead for the construction. of Vietnam’s modern history with milestones, emphasiz- The second aspect of modernity could be found in ing external influences and seeing how these encounters buildings and architecture. Buildings of various Western of modern thoughts shaped our modern architecture and styles were constructed in many cities. In the early colonial generations of Vietnamese architects. period, French architecture was directly imported to : Essays classical style, French regional styles, neoclassic or Art Nou- French Colonization (1858–1954): veau. The most typical and outstanding examples of these Strong Encounter with the West types were the (1901-1911), and the Res- The French colonization period lasted almost a century in idence Superior of Tonkin (started 1917) illustrating traces Vietnam and Indochina. The quasi-feudal/colonial regime of modern architecture as seen on Art Nouveau entrance left a remarkable legacy in Vietnam; architectural heritage canopies. Until 1920, almost all the significant buildings in is nowadays one among many other assets. Hanoi were built by French architects. Together with these very exotic styles, they brought into Vietnam new construc- Before 1920 tion technology and materials, such as reinforced concrete, When the French conducted their first colonization steel, glass, cement, etc. program, they undertook major construction works in the The third aspect of modernity was demonstrated in the larger cities in Vietnam: public buildings, housing projects, social transformation of Vietnam. Local intellectuals began infrastructure systems, ports, railway stations and facto- absorbing new ideas from abroad, thus gradually deviating ries. That was a significant period when comprehensive from Confucian thoughts. Movements and organizations modernity was brought into Vietnam for the first time by for cultural and educational innovation like “Duy Tan”1, the French. “Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc”2, “Khai Tri Tien Duc” (AFIMA)3 The first aspect of modernity was reflected in urban accelerated the change in the local people’s awareness and planning. The French conducted a number of master plans lifestyles. With the perspective of learning Western civili- for Hanoi, Saigon, , Dalat city, etc. Western town zation while preserving and developing traditional cultural planning principles of the grid, axes, boulevards, parks and identity, these movements and organizations exercised their

75 01 Daydé & Pillé Firm, Long Bien bridge (former name: Doumer), Hanoi, Vietnam, 1898-1902. © Nguyen Phu Duc, 2015.

influences on the first Vietnamese modern buildings. An serve their colonial administrative systems. The Indochina exemplar building of this kind was the AFIMA Head Office College of Fine Arts was founded in 1925. The Faculty of in Hanoi, which was designed in 1920 and completed in Architecture, established one year later, educated the first 1922. This building combined Western spatial organization generation of Vietnamese architects. Earlier, construc- and construction technologies with Vietnamese traditional tion in Vietnam had been carried out by carpenters and form and ornaments. Unlike the old Confucius rectangular builders based on indigenous knowledge and experience. 57 – 2017/2 layout, its sector-shaped floor plan contains new functions This historical benchmark laid an important foundation for like a billiards room, an auditorium and a dancing hall. the formation of the architect as a privileged profession in Vietnam until today.

docomomo From 1920 to 1945 Before 1945, most of the Vietnamese architects played After WWI, the French implemented their second coloni- a minor role in the French design offices as assistants only. zation program for economic recovery in Vietnam. Con- Some of them opened their own design offices, but their struction activities and urban expansion were carried out. practice was limited to small-scale private villas and houses. Ernest Hébrard (1875-1933) – a famous French architect Those first architects were greatly influenced by Western – came to Vietnam and made a great impact on Vietnam- thinking and they quickly absorbed new knowledge, skills ese architecture. With his sophistication and talent, he and building techniques which they applied to their prac- created a mixture of Western technology and adaptation tice with great passion. However, in this context of being

Essays to local climate and culture. Remarkable buildings by him influenced by the West, they developed a kind of resistant were the Department of Finance (1924-1928, present-day thinking when they wanted to confirm their characteristics Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Louis Finot Museum (1925-1931, and national identity as well as vernacular architecture in present-day National Museum of History) in Hanoi; and their designs. They disregarded the discrimination of the Pétrus Ky high-school (1927, present-day Le Hong Phong French and expressed their patriotism, national pride and high-school), in Saigon. Art Deco also came to Hanoi in the desire to create projects that would match the local this period. Many Art Deco buildings became important characteristics and conditions, promoted the utilization of landmarks in the city such as IDEO Print Factory (Imprim- Vietnamese traditional elements in architecture. erie d’Extrême-Orient, 1929), Bank of Indochina (1931), Shell One of the best-known names of the time was architect oil company headquarters (1938). Huynh Tan Phat (1913-1989), who graduated as an architect With Ernest Hébrard’s role as a pioneer of the so-called from the Indochina College of Fine Arts in Hanoi in 1938. Indochina style, buildings in this period shared a common In 1941, he opened the first private Vietnamese architecture expression of eclecticism of foreign styles and vernacular firm ever in Saigon. He was among the first of the Vietnam- details from Vietnam, China, Khmer and Champa. Luckily, ese modern architects to design several beautiful modernist many of these buidings still remain today as part of our villas in Saigon and Dalat. Huynh Tan Phat joined the architectural heritage. Communist Party later that same year as a full member and became Ho Chi Minh’s (1890-1969) trusted comrade from The First Generation of Architects: the south. He was a modern architect who paved the way The Indochina College of Fine Arts (1925) for a modernist revolution in architecture of the country. Modernism was intensively developed when the French started training local intellectuals and technicians to

76 02 Un-specified architect, AFIMA head office, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1920-1922. 03 Ernest Hébrard, The National Museum of History (former name: Louis Finot © Truong Ngoc Lan, 2016. Museum), Hanoi, Vietnam, 1925-1931). © Nguyen Phu Duc, 2015.

From 1945–1954: Indochina War development of modern architecture in this period: firstly, The period 1945-1954 was full of upheavals in the world’s both governments made great efforts to build infrastruc- history as well as in Vietnam’s history. On March 11st 1945, ture systems and urban facilities with different sources of the Japanese army overthrew the French protectorate investment: both domestic mobilization and overseas finan- government in Vietnam and took control of the whole cial aid programs. Secondly, new development trends in country. But only a few months later, WWII ended. On thinking, style, technique, etc., from allied countries of both August 14th 1945, the Japanese army surrendered to the sides penetrated into and . 57 – 2017/2 Allied Army. Vietnam fell into a chaotic situation. Seizing Thirdly, Vietnamese architects played a leading role in Viet- the opportunity, the Viet Minh (Alliance of Vietnamese namese architecture, no matter which political system it

Patriots) led by Ho Chi Minh came to power with a revolu- belonged to. They wished to confirm their national identity docomomo tion in August that same year and declared independence in architecture. by establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on Notwithstanding, the panorama of architecture in each September 2nd in Hanoi. part of the divided country had its own interesting features. However, subsequently, Vietnam commenced a war of resistance lasting almost 10 years against the return of the North Vietnam French troops to Vietnam. In 1954, as the Geneva confer- In North Vietnam, the government led by President Ho Chi ence was signed among the parties involved in the first Minh spent most of its resources on the liberation of South

Indochina war, the conflict finally ended. Vietnam was Vietnam from the USA’s domination; thus, investment in Essays temporarily divided into two regions: North Vietnam and construction was minimized. Most of the important build- South Vietnam, which went different ways in terms of ings in North Vietnam were constructed with financial and politics and economy. technical support from the Eastern Bloc, such as the former During this period, almost no major buildings were Soviet Union, the Democratic Republic of Germany, and constructed in both regions: South Vietnam and North from Poland and China as well. Since 1964, due to the threat Vietnam. of the USA Air Force’s air raids, construction in the North was halted for several years. On the other hand, in the Country: Division or the (1954–1975) centralized economy of the North, the construction market Within two decades (1954–1975), Vietnam was divided into did not exist and the State was the only “investor” which two states following two absolutely different socio-political seriously limited the diversity in architectural development. models: North Vietnam – or Democratic Republic of Viet- In this period, architects who had previously graduated nam – was led by President Ho Chi Minh and supported by from the Indochina College of Fine Arts continued to play the Socialist Bloc, most notably by the former Soviet Union a major role. However, their creativeness and personality and China, while South Vietnam – known as Republic of were limited due to a number of constraints: the shortage South Vietnam – was led by President Ngo Dinh Diem of investment, building materials and common design (1901-1963) and backed by the United States of America. guidelines applied to all public-invested projects. Some Nevertheless, that period was considered the golden years notable works of this time could be named: the Auditorium for modern architecture to flourish in both regions with a of Ho Chi Minh in the National Academy of Politics (1958) large number of large-scale and important buildings. by architect Nguyen Ngoc Chan (1911-1990), President There were three favorable conditions for such a vigorous Ho Chi Minh’s Residence (1958) by architect Nguyen Van

77 Ninh (1908-1975), the office of Ministry of Planning and Country Reunification (1975–1986) Investment (1960) by architect Doan Van Minh (1908-1973). On April 30th 1975, the People’s Army of North Vietnam They were mostly masonry buildings with small windows, took over Saigon and reunified the two regions into one simple stucco decorations and ventilation bricks. Popular united country, officially named the Socialist Republic of vernacular architectural features were symmetrical layouts, Vietnam. Pursuing socialism, the whole country embarked three-arched entrance gates and traditional verandas. The on a period of enthusiastic reconstruction, guided by the only work that showed a difference was the Polytechnic doctrine of centralized direction and management. The University of Hanoi (1961–1965) by Russian architects E. S. base of the socialist economy was the public and the col- Budnik and S. T. Airapetov. lective sectors without any “room” for the private sector or market forces. That was also a period of economic hardship as a consequence of post-war exhaustion of economic Modern architecture in South Vietnam enjoyed more resources, the embargo and sanctions by the USA and the favorable conditions. Vigorous urbanization sponsored by ineffective centralized economy hindered by bureaucracy. the USA offered plenty of opportunities for the architec- In respect of modern architecture, there were two tural profession without war disturbance or interruption. remarkable phenomena in that period: the appearance of Secondly, architects in the South could enjoy much more socialist collective housing projects (called KTT in Vietnam- freedom to design without political guidance of their ese) and the birth of the second generation of Vietnamese thoughts. Thirdly, the South with a capitalist economy architects. offered plentiful design orders, clients, materials and tech- nologies. Therefore, modern architecture in the South was The ktts more abundant and diverse in styles and expressions. A KTT means a public housing estate, designed in the “micro The first-generation architects fromÉcole Supérieure des rayon” concept imported from Eastern European Bloc, a Beaux Arts de l’Indochine or Écoles des Beaux-Arts played a “modified” version of the “neighborhood unit” concept of significant role in contextualizing modern movements of Clarence Perry (1872-1944) in 1923. In this period, housing was architecture in Saigon. Some of their outstanding works considered as a social service (similar to healthcare and educa- such as the General Science Library (late 1960s-1972) by tion) and in-kind payment for low-paid civil servants that 57 – 2017/2 architect Nguyen Huu Thien (1914-1981) and Bui Quang should be provided by the State. With financial and technical Hanh (?-1992), Thong Nhat hospital (completed in 1972, support from other socialist countries, many public housing present-day Vi Dan hospital) by architect Tran Dinh Quy- neighborhoods were constructed in Hanoi, Vinh, Danang and

docomomo en (1932-), Caravelle Hotel (1959) by architect Nguyen Van elsewhere to accommodate the demand of the huge number Hoa (1916-2005) were nationally recognized. They were of State employees and members of the armed forces. successful in contextualizing Western modern architec- TheseKTT s, a monotonous style of 4 to 5-story walk-up ture to Saigon’s tropical climate and responded to national condominiums with identical, modest apartments, were traditional aesthetic perceptions. As a result, their buildings built using various methods: from manual construction clearly demonstrated local identity, yet still looked interna- to the assembly of small components or large panels. This tionally modern. Common features of modern architecture housing type quickly created a massive number of homes to in Saigon could be described as: form follows function, meet the demand and, at the same time, followed egalitar-

Essays asymmetrical compositions, use of general cubic or cylin- ianism perfectly as a familiar slogan during the period of drical shapes, use of flat roofs, reinforced concrete, metal Orthodox Socialism. and glass frameworks often resulting in large windows in One good example of KTT was the Trung Tu project horizontal bands, absence of ornament or moldings. At the (1973–1980), which comprised 29 condominiums with a same time, their works combined tropical climate adaptive similar design: a 5-story walk-up, prefabricated structure, solutions, especially the use of claustra and other traditional simple layout and details. Elementary and secondary expressions and added details. schools were put in the middle of the neighborhood and One of the most outstanding works in the South was the kindergartens were located in the middle of 4 groups with 6 Independence Palace, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu to 8 condominiums. No commercial facilities were planned (1926-2000) in 1962 as a result of a design competition to and set-up as all food and necessities were completely pro- replace the damaged Norodom Palace (French Governor’s vided by the State. Palace) that had been bombed. While several neoclassical schemes were submitted, the commission for the Inde- The Second Generation of Vietnamese Architects pendence Palace was the modernist masterpiece by Ngo In 1956, the Polytechnic University of Hanoi was founded Viet Thu. He was one of Vietnam’s most accomplished and as the first university of technology in Vietnam, with its first prolific modern architects, had been educated in Paris at and foremost mission to train Vietnamese industrial engi- the École des Beaux-Arts, and was the only Asian architect to neers, including civil engineers and architects. Some of the be awarded the Grand Prix de Rome in 1955. This confirmed first graduates in civil engineering from this university and the government’s and public’s acceptance of modernism some who were sent to study in Eastern Europe, Cuba and over neoclassicism at that time. China in the 1970s and the 1980s became the second golden generation of Vietnamese architects.

78 04 E.S Budnik and S.T Airapeto, Polytechnic University of Hanoi, Vietnam, 05 Doan Van Minh, Office of Ministry of Planning and Investment, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1961-1965 © Truong Ngoc Lan, 2016.0s. 1960. © Nguyen Manh Tri, 2016.

06 Nguyen Van Hoa, modern housing, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 1970s. 07 Trung tu KTT, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1973-1980. © Redrawn from original map by © Truong Ngoc Lan, 2017. Pham Thuy Loan, 2016. 57 – 2017/2 docomomo Essays

08 Le Van Lan, The Children Palace, Hanoi, Vietnam, 1974-1977. 09 Ngo Viet Thu, The Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 1962-1966. © Pham Thuy Loan, 2016. © Pham Thuy Loan, 2016.

79 Their designs were influenced so much by the Soviet style (ASEAN) in 1995, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1996, of modernism. Common features included architecture as a the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 1996, the Asia-Pacific sculpture, functionalism, and socialist expressionism. Again, Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 1998 and, most notably, th architects attempted to add local flavor to their works by becoming the 150 official member of theWTO in 2007. By adding local elements of expression like wooden-frame-like this process, Vietnam transformed from a centralized socialist concrete structures, sloped roofs, verandas, and other details. economy to an open market economy, and eventually to the Remarkable buildings of this period included the Interna- international market economy it is today. Though they are tional Department of Bach Mai Hospital (1986, present-day not yet ranked among the world’s major cities, Hanoi and Ho the Hanoi France Hospital) in Hanoi by architect Nguyen Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) continue to be two power- Vu Hung, Hoa Binh Theater (1985) by architect Huynh Tan houses in terms of international capital exchange, education Phat and An Dong market (1980s) by architect Le Van Rot and training, business and commerce. (1942-) in , to name a few. One of the most valuable buildings in those years was the Diversity and Competitiveness Children’s Palace (1974-1977) in Hanoi designed by architect In the subsequent two decades, steady economic growth, Le Van Lan (born in 1938). The work was highly appreciated rapid urbanization and global integration have opened up thanks to its modern, simple, asymmetrical form, smart East huge opportunities for new construction and architectur- – West building layout and the use of claustra that proved to al diversity. Vietnam welcomed an outbreak of various be very appropriate to the local climate; the conscious com- design styles ranging from classical colonial style, European bination of spatial openness and enclosure, between architec- classical style, through modernism, Soviet style and Ex- ture and artistic motifs (mosaic on columns, murals, paintings pressionism, to postmodernism and Neo-modernism. Two on glass); the utilization of existing trees on site and the centuries of the world’s architectural history seemed to be creation of a roof-top garden for the first ; recreated in Hanoi within just two decades. the use of reinforced concrete and recycled materials locally Notable modernist buildings in these years were the Ha- available, including war-torn buildings or left-overs from oth- matco Headquarters (1990) by architect Vu Hoang Hac, er buildings. Le Van Lan is also a well-known name among the United Nations Development Programme Apartment the second generation of local architects. Having graduated Building (1994) by architect Nguyen Khoi Nguyen (1936-), 57 – 2017/2 from Hanoi University of Polytechnics in Vietnam in 1959, the Hanoi International Convention Center (1997) by he attended an internship in Russia in 1961, and practiced as architect Nguyen Thuc Hoang (1940-) and architect Dang assistant architect in the office of architect Nguyen Ngoc Kim Khoi (1958-), Noi Bai International Airport Terminal

docomomo Ngoan (1912-1990) – a desperate admirer of Le Corbusier. He 1 (2000) by architects Luong Anh Dung (1942-) and Than did his 3-year internship in civil building design in the Demo- Hong Linh (1965-) and their team in the Vietnam National cratic Republic of Germany (East Germany), and developed Consultant Corporation (VNCC). In this new context, as a strong passion for modernism applying its principles in Vietnam has become a vital hub for construction, it has at- his works with his own creativeness and sensitivity. Other tracted a wave of foreign architects. This is the third wave than the Children’s Palace, architect Le Van Lan designed of influences from the outside world, not only from the Thong Nhat Park Southern Gate and Video Game House, West but also from countries in the region such as Japan, Hanoi Hotel – the first high-rise building and redevelopment South Korea, Singapore and others.

Essays of Dong Xuan historical market in Hanoi. All of them are Since 2000, iconic buildings such as the National Con- important examples of architecture in Hanoi today. vention Center (2004-2006), the (2007- 2010) and the National Assembly House (2009-2014) have The Post Reform and “Open” period all been designed by German architect Meinhard von (1990s onward) Gerkan (1935-) and his partners in GMP. Architekten von In order to tackle the severe post-war economic stagnation, Gerkan, Marg und Partner. The position of Vietnamese the Vietnamese government adopted integrated and consis- architects has been dramatically challenged as they face tent reform across many aspects of the economy and society. global competitiveness within their home country. Such The adoption of the Doi Moi policy (meaning “renovation” a circumstance, at the same time, pulls them back to the or “reform”) in 1986 triggered a profound economic change: quest for cultural values and the identity of the nation. The the introduction of market mechanisms into the hitherto or- fight is not against the colonists but the danger of being a thodox socialism of Vietnam. In line with the structural shift non-entity or having no identity in the era of globalization. in the economy, there were many efforts to reform the con- struction sector, but not until 1990 did construction and ar- Vernacular Modernism chitecture witness real major changes. As of 1990, the private Failing to compete for big projects, Vietnamese architects sector emerged strongly enough; external resources began to have a great opportunity and favorable conditions to de- pour into the country after the withdrawal of the long-stand- sign private houses. Since the end of the 1990s, there has ing economic embargo by the USA. With an initial success in been a construction boom in private housing construction the efforts to improve diplomatic relations, Vietnam marked across Vietnam, accounting for as much as 70-80% of the its integration into the world through a series of important total new housing output every year. Design of private events: joining the Association of Asian Nations houses in Vietnam is an interesting arena, because it is

80 possible to see how modernism is continuously absorbed Vietnamese architects are now promoting the establish- and disseminated by the Vietnamese architects and ment of docomomo Vietnam, joining with docomo- people. Beyond boxy modernist forms, light and slender mo International and docomomo in other countries to sunshades and screens were added that represent a flavor share and to learn information, knowledge, experiences in of modernism which may not be seen anywhere else in research, conservation, adaptation, utilization of Modern the world. Vietnamese modernism became a distinctive- Movement buildings and neighborhoods, and to promote its ly Vietnamese style, a kind of vernacular architecture essence and spirit in our time. through the experimentation as showcased in these Notes houses. Nowadays, contemporary Vietnamese archi- 1 “Duy Tan” literally means “new thought”, or reform, renew in thinking tects have continued this intellectual experimentation in and action. It is a name of a social reform movement, initiated (in 1906) composition, and contemporary Vietnamese modernism is by a welknown Vietnamese intellectual name Phan Boi Chau (1872- therefore richer than the Western mainstream in its use of 1926) in the then suppressed by the French colloni- zation government (in 1908). The movement advocates nonviolence, lines, planes, volumes, voids, materials, patterns, textures, restoring the country by enhancing its intellectual level, reforming so- and colors. In response to global issues of environmental ciety in all aspects, including economic, educational and cultural, with degradation and climate change, local architects are pay- practical activities such as open up the economy, set up big traders, ing more attention to energy efficiency and harmony with open modern teaching schools: teach the national language, sciences and foreign languages as well as towards democratic politics. nature in their designs. They are also busting open the 2 “Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thuc” (Chinese: 東京 義 塾) literally means Tonkin townhouses by introducing open stories or atria within public free school. It was a movement established in Hanoi by the the houses, using double building envelopes by means of intellectual Phan Boi Chau (1872-1926) and other intellectuals in March stacking green walls and roofs, thereby turning the town- 1907 and ended in November 1907, to carry out social reforms in Vietnam. The purpose of the movement was to educate the people by houses from a tube-like cave into truly tropical houses opening free teaching classes (to be called literate) and to hold lectures that allow more indoor/outdoor experiences. to exchange ideas movement among the population. 3 Khai Tri Tien Duc (in French is l’Association pour la Formation Intellectuelle et Morale des Annamites - AFIMA) is a private association with a policy of Concluding Remark cultural exchanges between Western and Vietnamese scholars in the Influenced by various overseas schools of thought and early 20th century (1919-1945). styles throughout different periods of history, modern 57 – 2017/2 architecture in Vietnam was formed and has developed References BAO, Tran Quoc; DINH, Nguyen Van, Hanoi’s Architecture in French Coloniza- vigorously. It is not a kind of modernist doctrine but a tion, Hanoi, Construction Publishing House, 2012. rich and diverse mixture in which modern and vernacular CHI, Tran Trong, LUAN, Nguyen, LUYEN, Nguyen Truc, THAI, Nguyen Huu, elements have been blended in order to adapt to natural THONG, Nguyen Quoc, Half Century Vietnam Architecture, Hanoi, Time docomomo conditions and local cultural, political as well as economic publishing house, 2010. Vietnam Association of Architects, The First Generation of Vietnamese Archi- contexts. As a result, an eclectic and vernacular modern- tects, Hanoi, Culture and Information Publishing House, 2008. ism has been shaped. We can call it Vietnamese modern HOANG, Dang Thai,Hanoi Architecture in the 19th – 20th Century, Hanoi, Hanoi architecture. Generations of Vietnamese architects, apart Publishing House, 1999. from absorbing international new ways of thinking, still QUYNH, Ngo Huy, Research on Vietnam Architecture History, Hanoi, Con- struction Publishing House, 2013. continue to seek, experiment and confirm national identity Vietnam Association of Architects, Journal of Architecture, vol. 2, 1986. in architecture as well as professionalism in their designs. LAN, Le Van; HOANG, Dang Thai,Tran Hung, 55 Years of Hanoi’s Architecture, In Vietnam, the work on architectural history was begun Hanoi, The Time Publishing House, 2010. Essays in the late 1980s, initially focusing on monuments or reli- HUONG, Vu Minh; BOLOT, S.E.M. Herve’; HUE, Ha Van; OLIE, Hubert; BINH, Nguyen Thi Thuy; AndrewHARDY , Architecture in Hanoi (1875- gious buildings, and later on colonial architectural works. 1945), Hanoi, The World Publishing House, 2014. Postcolonial architecture (after the 1950s) received little mASEANa Project (ed.), The Report of ASEANm a project 2016: 2nd&3rd Internation- research attention for a number of reasons: most of these al Conference “Pioneers of modern architecture”, Tokyo, docomomo Japan, works are not considered "legacy" in general terms because 2017. SCHENCK, Mel, "How Vietnam Created Its Own Brand of Modernist Archi- they are less than 100 years old, and with their simplicity of tecture", internet publication Saigoneer [https://saigoneer.com/sai- form and decoration, their value is not fully appreciated. gon-development/8939-how-vietnam-created-its-own-brand-of-mod- The state of the art of documentation of modern architec- ernist-architecture], 2016. ture in Vietnam is still primitive at the level of preliminary, Pham Thuy Loan unsystematic and non-comprehensive inventories consist- (b. 1974, Vietnam). Associate Professor, PhD, architect, Deputy Director of ing of names of buildings without detailed documentation, the Vietnam National Institute of Architecture (VIAr), in charge of research, information and records on buildings and their architects. training and international collaboration. Master and PhD studies in Urban Design (The University of Tokyo, Japan, 1997-2002). Senior Lecturer at Fac- In the context of fast economic development and urban- ulty of Architecture and Planning, National University of Civil Engineering ization in Vietnam today, modern works in Vietnam are (NUCE) (2004-2014). at risk of being torn down to make space for new proj- Truong Ngoc Lan ects. This fact arises from the general unawareness of the (b. 1974, Vietnam). Architect, lecturer and researcher, Master of Architec- meaning and value of modern architecture and the lack of ture (National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE), Vietnam). Senior documentation and records of these works of architecture researcher at Vietnam Institute of Architecture (VIAr) (1997-2006). Lecturer of Architectural History and Theory at theNUCE (since 2006). Co- founder as the basis from which to argue their significance in order and architect of International Architecture JSC (known as 1+1>2 firm) with to protect them from the risk of destruction. Hoang Thuc Hao.

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